The CKK Electronic Fluid Time MkII is an analog delay pedal from CKK Electronic, the second generation of a design whose first version appeared in 20111. Its signal path is all analog, built around bucket-brigade (BBD) chips, while a microcontroller handles the switching, tap tempo and mode selection: digitally controlled but with an analog signal path21.
What it does and how it sounds
The Fluid Time MkII is CKK Electronic's take on the bucket-brigade delay with digital controls1. Bucket-brigade chips pass your signal along a chain of capacitors, which gives analog delays their characteristic repeats: they darken and soften as they decay rather than staying crisp like a digital delay.
Pedal of the Day's reviewer described the result in warm terms:
"The all-analog signal chain provides a warm, clear tone that's never ambiguous"2
The same reviewer's overall verdict was that the pedal is "nothing short of incredible, perfectly reproducing that classic 80's analog delay sound with ease overall"2.
Controls
The pedal carries a compact control set, with one small knob whose job changes depending on the mode you are in2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Delay | Sets your delay time, up to 750ms2 |
| Regen | Controls the feedback/repeats2 |
| Blend | Mixes your signals2 |
| ∆ (small knob) | Works differently depending on which of the 3 special modes you are in, adjusting 2nd delay times, pitch modulation and more2 |
| Working Mode toggle | Flips into Kill Dry mode, or selects from 3 delay modes that differ from the Normal mode you are usually in (Dual Time, Step Over and Take Off)2 |
Tap tempo and subdivisions
The Fluid Time MkII features tap tempo and tap division functions21, with six tempo subdivisions available1. When you use the tap tempo function, the pedal produces a lo-fi BBD delay signal with delay times of up to 2 seconds, well beyond the 750ms available from the Delay knob alone2.
The pedal also offers 3 types of bypass2.
Working modes
Beyond the Normal mode, the Working Mode toggle gives you three special delay modes plus a utility mode21:
- Dual Time: lets you set up 2 fixed delay times and toggle between them by pressing the tap tempo footswitch1
- Step Over21
- Take Off21
- Kill Dry: removes the dry signal so only the repeats are heard2
In these special modes the small ∆ knob takes on different jobs, adjusting 2nd delay times, pitch modulation and more depending on the mode2.
How it differs from the CKK Space Station
The layout of the Fluid Time MkII is similar to the CKK Electronic Space Station TTM Stereo Delay Reverb, but the two pedals carry a differing set of controls2. The Fluid Time MkII focuses strictly on all things delay2, while the Space Station combines stereo delay with reverb.
Where it came from
The first generation of the Fluid Time was released in 2011. After several years of development, CKK Electronic upgraded the tone and released the MkII as the second generation of the pedal1.
The MkII is the second generation of the Fluid Time. If you are comparing listings, note that the original 2011 version is a different pedal with different features1.
Videos
Mike Hermans
shnobel
Pedal of the Day
Questions
How long is the delay time on the CKK Fluid Time MkII?
The Delay knob sets delay time up to 750ms in normal operation. When you use the tap tempo function, the pedal produces a lo-fi BBD delay signal with delay times of up to 2 seconds.
Is the CKK Fluid Time MkII fully analog?
The signal path is all analog, built around five reissued MN3208 bucket-brigade (BBD) chips, but the pedal is controlled by a microcontroller. So the repeats are analog while the switching, tap tempo and mode control are digital.
Does the Fluid Time MkII have tap tempo?
Yes. The pedal has tap tempo and tap division functions, with six tempo subdivisions available. The tap tempo footswitch also toggles between two fixed delay times in Dual Time mode.
What does Kill Dry mode do on the Fluid Time MkII?
Kill Dry mode removes the dry signal from the output, so only the delayed repeats are heard. It is selected with the Working Mode toggle, alongside three special delay modes: Dual Time, Step Over and Take Off.
How is the Fluid Time MkII different from the CKK Space Station?
The layout of the Fluid Time MkII is similar to the CKK Space Station, but the two pedals carry a differing set of controls. The Fluid Time MkII focuses strictly on delay, while the Space Station is a stereo delay and reverb pedal.
When did the first Fluid Time come out?
The first generation of the Fluid Time was released in 2011. After several years of development, CKK Electronic upgraded the tone and released the MkII as the second generation of the pedal.
Sources (2)
- CKK Electronic Fluid Time MKII Analog Delay, Delicious Audio, 2020-09-18
- CKK Electronic Fluid Time MkII Analog Delay, Pedal of the Day, 2020-12-20
